7 Haunted Hotels in the Philippines for a Spooky Staycation

October has finally arrived, and Halloween is just around the corner. We’re having a pretty long weekend at the end of the month this year. You know what that means? Now’s your chance to take the ultimate spooky staycation. Here are seven hotels around the Philippines that are perfect for you to visit or check-in for Halloween — that is, if you’re brave enough.

1. Casa Vallejo

One of the oldest structures in the City of Pines, Casa Vallejo has its fair share of ghost stories that almost every ancient institution in Baguio City is infamous for. Before becoming a hotel in the 1920s, Casa Vallejo was a war detention centre for German prisoners.

Some guests claim to have heard weird noises like moans and sobs in the hotel. Most, however, can only attest that the vibe in the hotel is totally spine-tingling. One thing’s for sure, though: Casa Vallejo has a haunting beauty unlike any other.

2. Corregidor Inn

Corregidor played a significant role during WWII, which may be why residents and tourists claim to have experienced sightings of fallen soldiers around the island. Aside from this, Corregidor also witnessed the Jabidah massacre that happened during the Marcos regime.

With this, ghost hunting is a popular activity in the area. In fact, some accommodations offer activities that will surely give you the chills. For example, Corregidor Inn provides a ‘night lateral tunnel visit’ where guests are toured around the Malinta Tunnel, which served as a hospital during WWII. Some guests contend that the inn itself is haunted, and that you’ll hear kids playing around the area when you’re inside the bathroom.

3. Diplomat Hotel

Unlike the rest of the hotels on this list, the Diplomat Hotel no longer accepts guests. During WWII, this place was a refuge for people escaping Japanese forces. Eventually, Japanese forces invaded the establishment, and turned it into their headquarters. It was there where the Japanese police beheaded, tortured and raped church workers and refugees. Children were also massacred in the hotel.

The hotel was abandoned in 1987. Because of its history, many people believe that Diplomat Hotel is haunted. According to tourists and passers-by, the hotel still serves as a home to spirits — mostly screaming, crying, or banging windows and doors. Additionally, while the hotel’s rustic appearance makes it a popular photoshoot area, many people are scared of taking photos here as rumours say ghosts often join in the picture-taking. Not yet scared enough? Some say headless apparitions walk around Diplomat Hotel too.

4. Manila Hotel

Being a historic hotel, Manila Hotel can’t escape the rumour mill. Among the oldest luxury hotels in the country, Manila Hotel has been around since 1909 and has seen history unfold. During WWII, Japanese troops occupied the hotel. Come 1945, the hotel was burned down.

The hotel has seen more fires and deaths since then. A few staff acknowledge the presence of the ghost of a woman who jumped from the 15th floor of the hotel some time ago. Meanwhile, there’s also a story wherein lights and the aircon would turn on randomly at dawn.

5. Teacher’s Camp

Established in 1908, Teacher’s Camp has been an event centre, training centre, and vacation site for years. However, it briefly transformed into a hospital when WWII struck. Being more than 100 years old, Teacher’s Camp is also infamously known for being haunted.

While Teacher’s Camp isn’t a hotel, it’s a popular retreat place in Baguio for teachers and students. Many guests claim to hear strange noises as midnight strikes. Heavy footsteps, moving furniture, banging windows, and tugs of chains are just some sounds that creep out those who stay over.

6. University Hotel

The University of the Philippines Diliman has been around for decades, and its students know of many spooky stories about their alma mater. Many of its buildings have their respective haunting tales, the University Hotel included. Ghost sightings aren’t very common in the University Hotel compared to the other older buildings like the Palma Hall, the Vanguard Building, and the College of Music. Still, there are stories like guests hearing someone take a shower in their bathroom. It isn’t creepy, until they realise that there’s actually no one in the bathroom.

7. UST Hotel 1611

Hotel 1611 is a fairly new structure, thus there’s not many stories that include the hotel. But if you’re looking for a place to stay to ghost hunt, then you can include this hotel on your list.

With its long history stemming from the Spanish era, many people speculate that the University of Santo Tomas is haunted. During WWII, the university was an internment camp for prisoners of war. With the lack of food and medicine, a lot of them died in the property. But, not all ghosts in the university are of these prisoners. Allegedly, ghosts of past students of the university haunt the place too. Specifically, these spirits have made their appearance in the hospital, “lovers lane,” bathrooms, Room 406, and the Conservatory of Music.

Hopefully, this article excites you to celebrate this year’s Halloween with a thrill. Grab some popcorn, stream the best horror movies on Netflix, and book your stay now! If you aren’t much of a braveheart, don’t get discouraged. Bring your most trusted friends or family with you so that you can endure (and enjoy!) your chilling trip together.

If Disney were creative enough to let Mulan and Melody (The Little Mermaid 2) have a baby, Danielle is convinced that that baby would be her spirit animal. From an early age, Danielle’s ultimate goal has been to become a bad-ass female hero and a mermaid. While she hasn't held a sword in her lifetime, she feels powerful enough with her pen. Her creative energy is fueled by many things: the quiet right before the rest of the world wakes up, the orange sky as the sun rises during an uncrowded morning surf, the beautiful bitter taste of black coffee, and the threatening reminder of a pending deadline.